Consolation prize“Well, Bill, I think they also make good vice-presidents.”

Hillary Clinton responds to a question from Bill Richardson about whether governors, such as himself and Bill Clinton, make good presidents. CNN.com, December 2nd

Girl power“Because I've gotta support the girls. And because I'm a big fan of the Clintons.”

Madonna backs Mrs Clinton. Women's Wear Daily, December 4th

Unsolicited advice“Stop acting like a vitamin-deficient Adlai Stevenson. Striking a pose of being high-minded and too pure will not work. Americans want to see you scraping and fighting for the job, not in a mean or ugly way but in a forceful and straightforward way.”